MPAAI Says Sunday Guardian Report On Government AI Data Centre Is ‘Patently False’
The Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence is rejecting claims that the Government secretly advanced infrastructure for an artificial intelligence data centre.
In a statement, the Ministry described a newspaper report published on Sunday as inaccurate and based on a misunderstanding of two separate projects.
The Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence says a newspaper report alleging the existence of a secret Government-backed AI data centre project is « patently false. »
According to the Ministry, the report incorrectly linked an inherited national data centre project initiated under the former People’s National Movement administration to a separate commercial AI infrastructure initiative currently under exploration by the Government.
The Ministry explained that Cabinet-approved plans in 2022 called for the development of a Tier IV National Data Centre at the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate to support Government digital services, strengthen cybersecurity and reduce reliance on external data hosting providers.
However, it noted that the project was never completed or operationalised.
The Ministry stressed that a Tier IV National Data Centre is not the same as an artificial intelligence facility.
It explained that the Tier IV classification refers to the reliability and resilience of a data centre and does not measure AI capability.
By contrast, it said the commercial AI facilities currently being explored through MOUs with Ernst & Young LLP and Hummingbird AI Holdings are intended to support enterprise artificial intelligence and advanced computing applications.
The Ministry said the two projects differ in purpose, technical architecture and investment model.
It also dismissed suggestions that procurement activity and signed MOUs prove that a commercial AI data centre already exists.
The Ministry noted that procurement does not mean a facility has been completed or commissioned, while an MOU is not a construction contract or final investment approval.
It also expressed concern that such a report appeared on the front page of a national newspaper without the technical rigour, balance and verification that the public is entitled to expect.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, digital transformation and the responsible development of artificial intelligence, adding that it will continue to provide accurate information on matters of national importance.
